Octogenarian held for firing off pistol without licence

Rostov-on-don (Russia), Feb 17 (RIA Novosti) The police in southern Russia have detained an 80-year-old woman who decided to maintain public order in her village after finding a pistol, an official said Tuesday. The woman, who chanced upon her husband’s pistol in a shed, patrolled the village for several months and shot in the air when she thought public order was violated. Her terrified neighbours complained to the police.

“Police have detained the woman and seized her weapon,” the official said, adding that she was released after signing a written pledge not to flee.

The octogenarian now faces criminal charges of keeping a firearm illegally.